Fawad wants to make PTV independent, apolitical

• Information minister suggests upgradation, modernisation of Radio Pakistan; proposes an idea of introducing an English channel on the internet

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhary on Monday underscored the need to transform traditional mechanism of disseminating information and news on the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) and expressed his resolve to make the corporation independent and depoliticised like the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Chairing a high-level meeting here, he dilated upon the significance and vital role of the Radio Pakistan in national development and promotion of culture and stressed the need to upgrade and modernise the radio and proposed the idea of introducing an English channel on the internet, particularly for the international audience.

He directed the organisations concerned and attached departments, particularly the PTV and the PBC to make earnest efforts to generate revenue by improving their screen, programming and content. He directed the PTV Sports to promote other traditional and popular games, including Kubaddi, volleyball along with cricket and the hockey – the national game.

The information minister said that the ministry would have to play a proactive role in promoting and projecting a positive image of Pakistan at international level. He said that Pakistan was a repository of fascinating cultural heritage and promoting and preserving it was imperative to uphold the country’s national identity.

He said that films and dramas were one of the greatest mediums to promote core values of any society and emphasized the need to gear up these important tools to create a feel-good factor, besides promoting culture and rejuvenating the entertainment industry. Under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said that major revamping would be done in the ministry.

He said that the new wage board award was in the process of constitution and practical steps would be taken to protect rights of the working journalists. He said that there was a need for capacity building of the Information Ministry and the PTV Academy would be revamped and utilised for that purpose.

He said that deserving ministry officials, who were deprived of their rights in the past, would be given their rights and the interests of Information Group would be protected at the highest level. After taking oath at the President House, he reached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and assumed charge.

On his arrival, the minister was received by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera and senior officers of the ministry. Later, the secretary briefed the minister on working of the ministry. The meeting was attended by Secretary Sukhera and other senior officials of the ministry and its attached departments.